East Coast roadtrip

[megawatt]

I'll be in Australia doing a mostly roadtrip between July 18th to early September. Will be starting from Brisbane and probably heading north to Cairns and then south to Tasmania. I'll be in a car or campervan for most of the trip with my 20 year old daughter. Can you guys suggest some places to visit and must sees. We'd like to say hello to a few of you guys if possible and hopefully be in the right place at the right time for events on or near our route.

[Tony Nitrous]

Cairns:
Kuranda, train or cable car, one up other back.
Great Barrier Reef.
Hartleys Creek Crocodile Farm
Paranella Park (ruins)

Brisbane / Gold Coast
Beer and Steak at the Breakfast Creek Hotel.
Dream World / Sea World / Movie World theme parks?
Australia Zoo is OK but living off the Erwin name and not as good as Taronga in Sydney.
Beach / Tourist strip / Hard Rock Cafe down the Gold Coast.

[Tony Nitrous]

Between Brissy and Cairns is Airlie Beach, very much a back packer town
but still has some nice spots. Very relaxed party sort of place.
Get a boat out to Hanilton Island and then on to the award winning Whitehaven Beach if its warm.

Closer to Brissy, I'm a regular at Agnes Waters / 1770. A little tucked away town with a beach and a pub.

Just North of Brisbane are a few nice spots, Malaney and the Glass House Mountains are nice.

Brisbane doesn't really have a beach area (other than the man made one in the city)
South is the famous Gold Coast, but heading north is the quieter, less high rise Sunshine Coast.
Places like Sunshine Beach and Noosa aren't bad.

[Tony Nitrous]

Sydney has a few places worth seeing for a visitor.
Taronga Zoo, The Sea life Centre, climb the Harbour Bridge, go up the AMP tower,
Bondi Beach, Botanical Gardens, Opera House etc.

Very much depends what your into, but where ever you rock up you'll find AU very geared up
for tourists nod travellers and everywhere has a heap of leaflets and PR stuff for all the local attractions.

If anything I've mentioned is suitable stick it in google.

EDIT: I've done Fraser Island a few times...

http://www.fraserisland.net/

[K6Thou]

We don't have a lot here in the beef capital (rockhampton) I can show you a few good places to eat and give you a bit of a tour of the coast which is about half an hour away.

[Bob]

Sounds like a great trip. My wife and I are doing 4weeks to darwin and back in june/july this year. Tony has knocked a few good place on the head. The reefs are good for a day trip. And lots on nice country to drive threw the more you head south. Have a great time mate.

[Tony Nitrous]

Most tourists do what I did on my first trip.
Fly into the major city's and do the standard tourist spots.

The beauty of the road trip is you'll see some of the real Australia.
Servo's that truckies and grey nomads use, RSL's for a cold one,
country towns and places that aren't full of Oriental's coach party's.

The Bruce Hwy runs all up the East Coast but its easy to do an inland route in places.
Some areas have a whole lot of nothing, but the size, distance and emptiness
are all part of what makes Australia what it is. (Have you seen "Wolf Creek" ?)

[Tony Nitrous]

Maiala Rainforest Teahouse up Mt Glorious if you want to see the local
bikers cafe / coffee shop.

Willowbank / Qld Raceway if there's any drags or Superbikes on.

Mt Cootha Cafe for coffee / cake / view of the city.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary if you want to hold a Koala.

Chermside (near me) if your daughter wants to shop.

The Gabba or Suncorpe if you want to see Aussie rules / cricket / Rugby Leauge.

Heading North the Bunderberg brewery tour if you like rum or ginger beer.

[Tony Nitrous]

I drove Brisbane to Cairns.
Took me two day to get there.
Spent two weeks coming back to Brisbane.

Always finding things along the way,
detouring off to see Daintree / Mossman Gorge / Port Douglas that I hadn't even planned for.
Going looking for cassowaries, day trips out to Islands,


We don't have a lot here in the beef capital (rockhampton) I can show you a few good places to eat and give you a bit of a tour of the coast which is about half an hour away.

What about your Capricorn Caves ?
I didn't mind them.

http://www.capricorncaves.com.au/

[megawatt]

Thanks for the replies guys, especially Tony. Keep em coming please. Was thinking of maybe flying to and from Cairns if there's enough to see and do there. If not enough to see and do between Cairns to Brisbane and Brisbane to Sydney. may fly direct from Cairns to Sydney and pick up a campervan there. My main areas to explore will be along the coast and slightly inland between Sydney and Melbourne and a week or so in Tasmania.

[K6Thou]

What about your Capricorn Caves ?
I didn't mind them.

http://www.capricorncaves.com.au/

Forgot about them, thanks Tony. Keppel island is also here just off the coast, nice way to spend a day. Also an underwater observatory can be done on the same day. We even have mount archer where you can see the word hell spelled out in the street lights at night.....

[ozzy1100]

See the real Australia, step 1: find as many like minded motorbike obsessed loons as you can, Step 2 : use beer ( Australian currency ) to bribe your way their workspaces.... Step 3 : consume said beer until further steps are rendered impossible.......

[Gix11]

What are your intersts other than bikes mate? What sort of thing do you enjoy doing? Are you a beach or bush type, city or country, tourist or alternative? All this can help us give you answers.

[xa-mont]

In down in Bairnsdale in Victoria (Google maps it). Depending on the time of year there are snow Fields not far and some decent beaches not far.

But no matter the time of year there is wicked roads and awesome bush around here.

My house and shed is always open to motorbiking types, so if you need a bed and feed you're more than welcome to stay.

[Gix11]

Plus you're next to the best road in Australia (through Delegate)

[Tony Nitrous]

July to Sept I'd be heading a north not South!

Did Sydney / Canberra / Melbourne etc last year.
I'd stay in England if I wanted to be cold... LOL

[xa-mont]

We have variety though. Not just dry hot and wet hot

[Tony Nitrous]

Yeah but cold /dry and cold / wet do nothing for me.
Had enough over 40 years in the UK to do me for a lifetime.

Haven't seen a frost in 11 years, staying that way.

[megawatt]

I won't have a bike while in Australia, just a car or campervan. I like natural wonders and engineering type stuff. Love bike racing and am an ex Drag racer. Not bothered about beaches or rich peoples stuff. Happier in the countryside than cities and big towns , but don't mind short visits to see the good stuff. Hate getting stuck in traffic jams and love mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Love steam engines and old engineering stuff. Thanks for all the advice so far guys.

[megawatt]

Thanks for the offer xa-mont. I'll probably take you up on that. Got my daughter with me?

[Tony Nitrous]

Love steam engines and old engineering stuff.

http://s23.postimg.org/6ajl6d4t7/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

[xa-mont]

Thanks for the offer xa-mont. I'll probably take you up on that. Got my daughter with me?

Yeah that's fine mate. If she's into horses I'm sure my mum and missus could entertain her too

[megawatt]

She used to be allergic to em, but she may have grown out of it. I'll ask her tomorrow. Would be good to entertain her as she'll be sick of me after a few weeks.

[megawatt]

Where's that engine Tony?

[Tony Nitrous]

Highfields Pioneer Village.

Little place near Toowoomba, about hour and a bit West of Brissy.
Bloke has been collecting stuff for years, bulldozers, cars, trucks, model T's,
Has a room floor to ceiling with old radios, he bought and moved a church.
Most of it is rusting away, the rest looks like Steptoes yard. I feel at home there.

[Tony Nitrous]

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[Tony Nitrous]

Similar sort of stuff in a smaller place at Stanthorpe where I'm staying over Easter...

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[K6Thou]

We have something similar here called The heritage village. Heaps of old gear, everything from steam rollers to old bikes, blacksmiths gear, old buildings etc etc

[Tony Nitrous]

Yeah, I did that the same weekend as the caves.
Well worth a look.
Some of the stuff in the hospital / surgery makes you think not everything was better then!

[Tony Nitrous]

A couple more from Bald Rock / Girraween near Ballendean where we go on a weekend...
(about 3 hours South / West of Brissy)

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[Tony Nitrous]

This is the view from a cafe I use for breakfast.
Marycairns Cross Park near Maleny looking at the Glass House Mountains.
Just over an hour North of Brissy.

http://s23.postimg.org/4mqx4g0m3/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
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[Tony Nitrous]

Closer to home....

Woodford...

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Amberley...

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[Tony Nitrous]

I pass a little spot called "Natural Arch" when I head down into NSW some weekends.
It's behind Nerang / The Gold Coast.

It was a small waterfall that created a cave behind the waterfall, then the roof caved in,
now it's a waterfall into cave. Not huge but worth a look.
It takes balls to jump in through the hole as you can't see in until your already jumping!

Last time I went...

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[megawatt]

Some awesome pics there Tony, thanks.

[Gix11]

Cool, I was hoping that was what you liked, in that case, try some of this stuff:

You're going to miss the Winter Nationals with the top fuellers, but there's still this: http://www.willowbankraceway.com.au/events/detail.aspx?EventGroupID=92

Brisbane; this is always worth a look to get a taste of Brisbane: https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/south-bank

Then on the Gold Coast, avoid Surfers Paradise and all that tourist shit and head inland about 20mins:

Pick out the stuff that tickles you from here: http://www.tamborinemtncc.org.au/things-to-do-on-tamborine-mountain/

Take a trip out to O'Reilly's (some of the originbal settlers and loggers): http://www.oreillys.com.au/

Take a drive up and around Lower Beechmont:
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=lower+beechmont&biw=1920&bih=979&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=tGkPVYDNI9jt8gXaqoCgDQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&dpr=1

https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Lower+Beechmont+QLD+4211/@-28.0474327,153.237343,11z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6b911f23bee732eb:0x502a35af3dea4 00

After living on the Coast for nearly 20 years, these are the places that get the biggest reactions from friends that have come over.


Also it's a shame you'll miss Cooly Rocks, but here's some other events on while you're here:

http://www.visitgoldcoast.com/whatson/

[megawatt]

Thanks again Tony and Gix11. I'm sorry guys I can't seem to reply to your messages with a reply message, so I'll have to do it on this thread, unless it's confidential?

[megawatt]

Yes I do like military stuff, especially armour and aircraft. Not sure what my daughter will do while I'm enjoying myself though. Attending some drag races, especially Pro Stock and Top Fuel bikes will be a real nostalgia trip.

[Tony Nitrous]

http://blog.queensland.com/2015/01/30/route-66-road-trip-pacific-coast-touring-route/?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Thinklist

[megawatt]

Thanks again Tony, that's an excellent list.

[hyofighter]

dont forget the west coast we are cool people too


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5XDGcYu1Lw

[StuNVA]

If you go inland in NNSW drive up Mount Kaputar at Narrabri and look west, gives you a good view of the western plains of NNSW. Gunnedah has a big rural museum if you like that stuff. Tamworth is the regional centre, it's a shit hole, head back over the coast way via the Oxley Highway.

[megawatt]

Thanks Stu.

[Tony Nitrous]

Just off down to Ballandean for a few nights.
About 3 hours South / West of Brissy.

If you like Wine or Walking its great for both !

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[Tony Nitrous]

Might be late getting to Ballandean this weekend.

Our two week old "Brand New" Ford Territory....

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[megawatt]

OH dear, hope you guys are all ok? Wine and walking ? it's on my list.

[Tony Nitrous]

Mrs is a bit shook up and bruised, but we both walked away from it so not complaining.
Got a tow truck back to Ipswich and a $131 taxi home. Was going to jump in another
car and carry on but might wait until morning. No hire cars anywhere until Tues, not
even the airport. Got my old car or mother inlaws car until then so no stress.
I thought airbags might have gone off though ? Maybe not.

[ozzy1100]

Where was that tony?

[Tony Nitrous]

Cunninghams Gap.
Just after Aratula towards Warwick.

[ozzy1100]

Sorry to see it glad glad u both ok

[Tony Nitrous]

Down at Ballandean,

View out the front door whilst doing breakfast...

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Today....

Boonoo Boonoo National Park, NSW.

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The NSW / Qld border...

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[megawatt]

Looks good Tony. Glad you're OK.

[Gix11]

Exciting times in Tonyworld.

[megawatt]

Hey gents, only six weeks to go !!! Eldest daughter wants to visit her ex boyfriend in Bundaberg in August???. Any tips on where to visit between there and Brisbane???

[Gix11]

Well if you lke rum you can always visit the distillery? http://www.bundabergrum.com.au/Our-Home

Hervey Bay is the gateway to Frazer Island:

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=fraser+Island&biw=1920&bih=979&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=5CxVVdO3LebGmAXm44BQ&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser_Island

If you want to see a bush turkey figthing a goanna (that's what I last saw there anyway) or guaranteed wild koala sightings, there's always Noosa: http://www.visitnoosa.com.au/ - oh, plus there's that beach and surf stuff again (tourist zone).

...and Moreton Island is stunning! http://www.tangalooma.com/info/day_cruises/dolphin_feeding_cruise/

As you can see, most of these involve day trips and ferries, but well worth it. The road itself is boring as bat shit.

[megawatt]

Thanks again mate.

[safighter]

you cant beat the top end just did the Cairns trip myself best motorbike rd i have ever seen is the rd from Cairns to Atherton

[megawatt]

Well only about 4 weeks until we leave the UK and7 weeks until we start our road trip. My daughter in Brisbane has reminded me recently that it will be winter when we start our roadtrip, I assume it's still gonna be warm in QL and NSW, but how warm will it be in Victoria and Tasmania. Should I pack my thermals?

[StuNVA]

Inland NNSW, mornings frosty, day's mild maybe 15 to 20C. The further south you head the colder it will get. Vic & Tas could be cold, like snowing cold.

[K6Thou]

Here in central qld it will get down to single figures at night but usually mid 20s or better during the day.

[Tony Nitrous]

Jacket on at 5am
T shirt and shorts after 8am.

[Tony Nitrous]

http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/brisbane.shtml?ref=hdr

[megawatt]

Been trying to find the best way to visit the Barrier reef. Somewhere comfy and quiet , but not too expensive for three of us to stay at and good access to snorkelling on the reef. Has anyone got any experience and can recommend anywhere>

[Gix11]

Bowen is a small hick town but it is the closest point to the reef. Cairns will cost you loads more.

[megawatt]

Thanks Gix. My daughter has since booked us onto Lady Elliot Island. Gonna cost a lot.

[megawatt]

Well, only 6 days to go until we leave UK and 7 until we land in Brizzy. Gonna spend first 3 weeks with both daughters and then after July 18 head north to Cairns and then south, hugging the coast as far as Melbourne or Tasmania. I have offers to call in from a few of you guys, would you mind messaging your contact numbers and email addys, so that I can get in touch after I get my new Aussie mobile phone. My eMail is alanmegawatt@gmail.com

[Gix11]

Thanks Gix. My daughter has since booked us onto Lady Elliot Island. Gonna cost a lot.

Wow, I have heard that is amazing (other than the shit arse boat trip to get there).

Are you in Australia now?

[wackyrider]

Are we organising a get together or something at Brekky Creek hotel? Been a while since we have done one

[megawatt]

Hi gents, been in Oz for two weeks. Currently in Hervey bay until Friday and then a few days back in Brissy. Still hoping to meet a few of you guys, but I won't have transport other than my legs and public . Probably staying in Brisbane centre. Sorry Tony , I can't find your Moby number.

[Tony Nitrous]

Sorry I had to be brief today. Was at work, just started new job. Bit full on.
Need some $$'s! Just booked flights Hong Kong, Dubai, Birminham to see the GP at Silverstone.

Everything's a bit up in the air, new job and father in law recently died.

Should be OK for weekend sometime.

Tony.

[Gix11]

Where are you going to be on the 7th/8th of August mate?